By the seaside. A long trail of footprints was left behind.
Over the past few hours.
Many thoughts had surfaced in Robin's mind.
Based on previous investigations.
The game Honkai: Star Rail possessed a peculiar ability to predict the future.
In the storyline, the next destination of the Astral Express would undoubtedly attract more dream-chasing visitors.
—Penacony.
If everything was exactly as she had seen.
Then.
The "Dreammaster" had no reason whatsoever to oppose this game!
Unless.
The "Dreammaster" was hiding something from her...
And there were things within the Family that she was unaware of!
Thinking of this.
Robin took a deep breath.
Then laughed at herself mockingly.
"It's been a long time since I've been this willful........."
"It must be because that news was too sudden.
"From now on.
"I'll investigate on my own... just what is the Family hiding........."
Though Robin was a celebrity renowned across the universe, she was, at her core, still a young girl.
Her earlier willful escape from the Family had been more of an emotional outburst.
Now that she had completely calmed down.
And had firmly decided on the path she would take.
Her gaze gradually grew resolute.
"Time to go back."
"I shouldn't make my brother worry about me."
Just as she was about to retrace her footsteps.
She noticed a faint wisp of smoke rising from the woods ahead.
A delicate fragrance wafted through the air.
"There are people here?"
Robin cautiously approached to investigate.
In a newly cleared area within the forest.
A man was grilling food over a fire.
Another pot of clear soup simmered over a separate flame.
Seeing that the man was well-dressed and had a harmless appearance.
Robin let her guard down.
And stepped out from the shade of the trees.
"What are you making? It smells really good."
While on the spaceship.
Robin had changed into a wig and put on glasses.
She wasn't particularly worried about being recognized.
As for whether the other party had ill intentions...
Robin was no delicate flower, after all.
The power of "Harmony" wasn't limited to just her singing.
"Want to join me for some?"
The man smiled gently at her.
He didn't seem the least bit surprised by her appearance.
Like an amiable older brother from the countryside.
"Then... thank you."
Robin smoothed her skirt.
And sat down on a nearby rock.
Looking at the refined man before her.
Robin found it all a little unbelievable.
A strange planet.
A chance encounter with a polite stranger.
An impromptu journey like this.
Wasn't so bad, after all.
The man asked, "Had a fight with your family, so you came out to clear your head?"
Robin nodded sheepishly.
The man smiled again. "Sometimes, even those closest to us struggle to understand our thoughts.
"But that's alright.
"Just do what you believe is right."
As he spoke.
Tatsuke served Robin a bowl.
Robin took small sips.
The flavor was light and fragrant.
A faint glow lit up her eyes.
"It's delicious."
Robin returned Tatsuke's smile.
She had initially thought about paying him some credits but suddenly felt that would be too transactional, ruining the serendipitous atmosphere of this encounter.
Judging by the man's attire, he didn't seem like a native of this planet either.
He was probably just like her.
Someone who had stumbled upon this undeveloped planet while seeking solace.
Robin took out her phone.
Then said, "By the way, do you play Honkai: Star Rail?"
Tatsuke replied, "Of course.
"It's the hottest game in the universe right now."
Robin booted up the game and opened her character profile.
With a hint of pride, she said, "I have quite a few maxed-out Eidolon characters. Want to add me as a friend?"
Tatsuke played along, feigning surprise.
"Meeting a top-tier player while out camping?
"I'd be a fool not to add you!"
The two exchanged friend requests.
And soon fell into a lively discussion about Honkai: Star Rail.
Before they knew it, the sky had darkened.
Robin stretched lightly.
The gloom from earlier had completely dissipated.
In fact, it had been a long time since she'd felt this happy and relaxed!
Being with this person made her feel utterly free.
She was no longer a star, but just an ordinary girl her age.
"I never expected you to have such deep insights into Star Rail's music........."
"It's a shame the people around me don't really like this game.
"The adults at home even forbid us from playing it.
"If it were you, what would you do?"
Tatsuke stroked his chin.
After a moment's thought, he replied, "Me?
"I'd play it in secret, of course.
"And I'd investigate why they hate it so much. Could it be that the game threatens to take something from them?"
Robin's lips parted slightly.
A spark of delight flashed in her eyes.
"You think just like I do!"
Robin tentatively raised her hand.
Tatsuke immediately understood.
"Clap!"
Their hands met in a perfect high-five.
Robin's cheeks flushed slightly.
Her hands fidgeted unconsciously at the hem of her skirt.
Luckily, this planet had a day-night cycle.
With the sky growing darker.
The person beside her probably hadn't noticed.........
Meanwhile, Tatsuke's lips curled faintly...............
Seeing the mood was just right.
He said, "Want to try something even more exciting?"
Robin's heart skipped a beat. "What kind of thing............"
Tatsuke raised his hand.
A portal materialized before them.
Beyond it lay Jinren Alley on the Xianzhou Luofu.
As his personal "territory," Tatsuke could teleport back anytime. The reason he opened a portal was to extend an invitation to Robin.
Robin stared at Tatsuke in astonishment.
Tatsuke explained, "Pass through this gate, and you'll arrive at Jinren Alley on the Xianzhou Luofu.
"Do you dare......... to escape this planet with me?"
Robin's eyes widened slightly.
Her breathing grew rapid.
She knew.
The Family's security personnel were surely waiting for her return in orbit around this planet.
Even during this rare moment of respite, the Bloodhound Family's agents were tailing her.
If she stepped through this portal.
It would mean truly escaping the Family's control.
An undeniably bold move.
But.
This wasn't the first time Robin had done something like this.
The man before her.
His gaze was clear.
Was he an employee of the Interastral Peace Corporation?
A follower of the Trailblaze path?
Or perhaps.
Just a gamer from some distant world?
But Robin wouldn't ask now.
Just as the man had never inquired about her identity.
After a brief hesitation.
Robin finally.
Nodded.
"Wait a moment."
Robin quickly typed out a message to her brother, Sunday.
[Brother, by the time you read this, I'll already be on the Xianzhou Luofu.]
[I've met a wonderful friend who's invited me on this incredible journey.]
[Consider it a little willfulness from your little sister.]
[Don't worry—I'll stay in touch.........]
After sending it.
Robin turned back.
Tatsuke.
Extended a gentlemanly hand.
Robin smiled warmly.
Together, they stepped through the portal.
The next moment.
Robin looked around in disbelief.
"We... really made it to the Luofu?"
"This is... Jinren Alley?"
The street ahead.
Was ablaze with lights.
The lively night market.
The calls of vendors already reached her ears!
Robin turned to Tatsuke in delight. "How did you do that?"
"Are you like the Trailblazer in the game, able to use Anchor Points?"
"Hahaha, you can think of it that way.
"Come on, let me show you the night market of the Luofu!"
To be continued…